SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE NOT AT FAULT IN COLLISION

CHULA VISTA 
A Chula Vista Police Department investigation of a traffic accident that nearly killed a Sweetwater Union High School District trustee concluded the school board member was not at fault.

Trustee John McCann was driving in the intersection of Old Telegraph Canyon Road and Telegraph Canyon Road at 5 p.m. July 24 when the collision occurred.

The driver of the other car, Martin Duncan, 50, a Sweetwater school district employee, was traveling 63 mph just before the impact, according to the police report. The speed limit there is 45 mph. The investigation determined that had Duncan been traveling the speed limit, McCann could have safely turned left onto Telegraph Canyon Road.

McCann, who on Monday attended his first school board meeting since the crash, is recovering from four broken ribs, whiplash and a damaged nerve to his eye. Duncan suffered minor injuries.

McCann said Monday the experience has given him new appreciation for life.

“It gives you a different perspective — that things can change in an instant,” he said.

McCann said he received about 1,000 letters, emails and phone calls during his recovery.

“I’d like to thank all the people who stopped to help me and the firefighters who extracted me with the Jaws of Life to get me to the hospital,” he said.

McCann, who works in technology services at Sharp Healthcare, hopes to return to work soon.

“I’m going to rehabilitation almost every day trying to get as healthy as possible,” he said.

McCann also said he wants to get back to school district business.

“I’m looking forward to helping out kids and continuing my reforms at the school district and hoping for the best,” he said.